Eco Fashion Show at Notting Hill London 2009

In support of The Big Issue, some of UK’s top ethical designers came together for a fashion show at the Tabernacle in Notting Hill. Providing the music were The Phoenix Rose who are signed to UK’s first green music label Archangel Green UK to launch their debut single Sick & Tired.

Entrance fee was a copy of that week’s Big Issue which you could conveniently buy at the door (some of us didn’t know this and went in search of a seller before going – why is it you can never find one when you want one? ) 

On the floor exhibiting their nautical themed SS10 collection was Lowie whose designer Bronwyn Lowenthal was inspired by a trip to Turkey.   Lowie’s accessories included clutches and purses in vintage fabrics, organic cotton crochet berets & scarves, customised man styled caps and eco friendly leather belts. You can buy at  the V&A. museum. 

The evening ‘s first catwalk show was all about men’s fashion and featured Trousers London, Simple Shoes and Credau.

First on the catwalk - Trousers London. All eyes were on the male models who appeared bare-chested and toned wearing just their low slung jeans.  Trousers London jeans are made from organic denim in Italy and each model of jean is a limited edition due to only small batches being made. Every pair is given a unique ID number to ensure the exclusivity of the jeans.  Unfortunately when buying their jeans, no bare-chested models are included.  Buy from Son of Stag and Closet Case in London.

Simple shoes were next, showing their collection of sneakers which are made of sustainable materials. Some of the materials used are the usual suspects we all know: organic cotton, eco certified leather & suede, hemp, silk, wool, cork and bamboo. But they have added recycling in to the mix such as recycled car & bike tyres, recycled inner tubes, plastics and even recycled carpet padding. Hats off to them (or would that be shoes?) for being so inventive. Buy online from www.simpleshoes.com for men, women and kids.

Last but not least in the first half was the men’s label Credau, showing their SS10 collection in inky reds, stormy blues and smoky purples. The colour dyes which are designed to age and fade are safe dye and mastered by London based professional dyers. There was a mix of smart and casual pieces. Graphics were inspired by a bicycle theme representing freedom and movement. New fibres such as hemp and recycled poly/cotton have been introduced in this range along with the usual cotton and silk. Credau was created by French designer Aude Lesur. Buy at Debenhams in Oxford St. London.

Before the second part of the fashion show started a fundraising auction was held. Clothes were donated by the labels and exclusively made for the auction (again models not included) and The Phoenix Rose auctioned themselves off for a one night gig.

“Here come the girls!” The second half of the fashion show started with My Only One. They take unwanted and unsaleable vintage clothing and transform in to casual clothing. Their SS10 collection Sport Nouveau is a modern take on traditional sportswear. Oversized men’s sports t-shirts from the 70’s and 80’s make a ruffle cape and two-tone track leggings; dresses from the 50’s and 80’s are now feature items such as the eco playsuit and reclaimed prison shirts are transformed in to bustle skirts and harem trousers. You can buy their SS09 collection now in Oxford Street’s Topshop.

“The boys are back in town” with THTC. The Hemp Trading Company’s designs have been created by some of the UK’s leading street artists and graffers therefore combining street culture with the ethical fashion industry.  Buy online from www.thtc.co.uk. The THTC's models ended the night with impressive break dancing, proving hemp is three times stronger than cotton.

This fashion night showed you can still be a fashionista whilst being eco-friendly. Let's hope the word  gets out.

For personal shopping for ethical clothes, colour and style consultantions please contact Karen on www.frumpytofunky.com